PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Punta Camacho
Pilot
updated Dec 2010The pilot embarks at Guaranao Pilot station and disembarks at the Maracaibo Bay anchorage area. Port authorities board and clear the vessel at anchorage during daylight hours only. A special mooring master effects berthing/unberthing operations.
Key data
updated Jul 2020Size limits
Max LOA 138.11, beam 23m, draught 6.7m, 16,882DWT.
Water density
1003-1006.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punta Camacho Terminal | 6.70 m | 138 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jul 2020Approach
The approach channel to Punta Camacho is 700m long and 100m wide with a maximum depth of 7.0m.
Anchorages
Vessels must anchor at Maracaibo Bay anchorage area located on the western side of the channel between buoys B-74 and B-76.
Tugs
Two tugs required for mooring and unmooring.
Mooring
Vessels berth head in and always starboard side alongside.
Charts and publications
BA 1520, 1521, 2194. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010Communications
It is recommended to use Mobile Radio, Curacao Radio, Portishead Radio or Maritex for passing messages. Inmarsat communication is possible.
Notice of readiness
NOR is tendered in accordance with the Charter Party. The normal place for tendering NOR is on arrival at the anchorage or all fast at the berth.
Documents
Customs and Harbour Master's clearance are prepared and delivered onboard by the agent prior to vessel's departure.
Cargo documents such as Bills of Lading, Quality and Quantity Certificates, Certificates of Origin, etc are prepared/released by terminal operators. These documents are presented to the Master prior to departure for his signature.
Health
Pratique and Customs clearance can only be granted on arrival either at anchorage or on completion of berthing.
Vessels coming from ports which have cholera will not be allowed to deballast overboard. A sanitary inspection is performed at the pilot station prior to entering port.
Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.
Customs and immigration
Customs allowances: An allowance is made for approx 5 days of cigarettes and alcohol out of bond. The bond is sealed after the vessel's clearance. Additional allowances may be made on request to the Customs authorities. Bonded items are not allowed to be taken ashore. Penalty is confiscation and a possible fine.
Immigration: Issue shore passes that are valid for 72 hours.
Flags
The national ensign of Venezuela should be displayed in port. Vessels not complying will receive orders from the National Guard to stop cargo operations. A written report will be requested prior to cargo operations recommencing.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Instituto Nacional de los Espacios Acuaticos.
Position: Gerente de Puertos.
Address: Av Rio Orinoco, Urb Las Mercedes, EDF Inea Piso 3, Caracas, Venezuela.
Tel: +58 212 909 1540
Fax: +58 212 909 1540
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.inea.gob.ve
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
ISPS Compliance: The US Coast Guard has reported that a vessel arriving at US ports in one of its five subsequent calls from ports in Venezuela will be subject to increased attention and are more likely to be boarded and inspected due to their country's failure to maintain effective anti terrorism measures. To ensure compliance with USCG regulations masters must increase vessel security to equivalent of Marsec Level 2 standards while in Venezuelan ports.
Port services
updated Jul 2020Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Not available.
Bunkering: No bunkers available at berth. Arrangements can be made for delivery by barge at Maracaibo anchorage area.
Medical
Hospital Dr. Senen Castillo, 2.5km.
Transport
International Airport La Chinita, 25km.
About Punta Camacho
updated Dec 2010Where it is
Punta Camacho is situated on the NE shore of Lake Maracaibo, close SE of General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge.
The port
Punta Camacho consists of one metal and concrete berth for chemical products (PRALCA). Operations are under the jurisdiction of the Maracaibo Port Authorities.
Questions about Punta Camacho
What are the pilot arrangements at Punta Camacho?
The pilot embarks at Guaranao Pilot station and disembarks at the Maracaibo Bay anchorage area.
What time zone is Punta Camacho in?
Local time at Punta Camacho is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Punta Camacho?
The deepest berth listed is at Punta Camacho Terminal: 6.70 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Punta Camacho?
1003-1006.
Which load line zone is Punta Camacho in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Punta Camacho?
The UN/LOCODE of Punta Camacho is VEPCA.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Punta Camacho say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
Plan a route to Punta Camacho →
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.